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Saturday, 24 January 2015

Stitchcraft January 1961 - Snowflake Sweater

I am just going to start by saying I really love this jumper! There is always a fear when I knit that I'm going to hate what I make, or it won't fit properly. I think this comes from the extra time invested in knitting rather than most of the sewing I do and also the inability to fit as you go along and adjust as one can with a sewing machine. I know these are things I could learn but for me knitting is something I primarily do whilst watching television at the weekend. It was my first hobby, started when I was 5 and picked up at various times during my life and as such will always be something I turn to, but I don't pretend to understand!

Being a leftie and taught to knit by two righties (my Granny and my Mum), I knit in rather an odd fashion with one needle held up by my leg and because of that I really hate knitting anything in the round. So what better project than one with a circular yoke! Because I don't like knitting in the round a lot of modern patterns are out for me (unless I ask my Mum to knit them for me) so I buy a lot of old Stitchcraft Magazines as they are all written to be knitted flat. My favourites are the 1960s onwards as before that I find the sizing a bit small (unless I choose a plus sized pattern!) and multiple sizing is more common.

This pattern is from the January 1961 edition. I bought this magazine as part of a bundle off eBay for not very much money at all and it was this pattern that I wanted. The yoke is actually supposed to be knitted flat and a zip inserted at the back neck, which could have looked quite striking but I felt for comfort I would leave this out and knit the whole yoke in the round and omit the last few rounds of colour work. My only negative about this jumper (and it is a very small one) is I cast off too tightly and the top of the neck has a tendency to fold inwards. Since I can't see it this only bothers me when I look in the mirror (seldom, my house is lacking in mirrors) or at photos.

The wool I used is Cascade 220 Superwash from Wool Warehouse. I used Cascade on my last cardigan and am so pleased with it I used it again. I didn't do a swatch (never have, naughty!) and it has knitted up perfectly. I haven't tried washing it yet though so I don't know if the superwash bit holds true!

So although I started this in 2014 I am counting this towards one of my 2 knits I have pledged to make. I am so excited about this challenge, as I am sure a lot of people are. I have a serious vintage pattern habit because I love the artwork but end up buying newer patterns so hopefully this will nudge me into getting my vintage patterns out of storage and actually using them!

I am so pleased with this jumper. Having fallen out of love with knitting due to a few failures in a row, I am now very much back in love with it. I have started another jumper for me so I can take part in the Instagram #sundaysweaterkal and am halfway up the back so I hope to have that finished before spring appears!

Thank you Debbie! I don't wear much red but maybe I'll start wearing more! I do think that seamed garments have more structure to them. I know the worst thing about knitting is the sewing up afterwards but I prefer the shape.

Gorgeous sweater and so true to the original. Good job!I had to smile regarding your method of holding knitting needles. I find that I rest my right hand needle in the crook of my hip when I work. It helps me! I don't mind circulars so much (but it is so true about everything being written up for them nowadays - frustrating, as I prefer straight needles myself). My only grumble is that I get my cast on twisted when joining in the round and I am generally slower on circulars.

Thank you Katy! That's where I prop my needle too! You should take a look at some older knitting patterns, there are some lovely patterns out there that don't seem to age that much (except the 80s, that was a bad time for knitwear!)

This is just gorgeous! I was very interested to hear about your knitting method, too. I am right-handed but knit continental, and people always seem surprised!

By the way,I've done the same pledge as you - sew 3, knit 2. Stitchcraft is such a great source for vintage knitting patterns; I have several from the 40s and am very excited about finally making a piece from one. Nice to see your 60s version turned out so well.

Hi! Thank you, I would like to try the continental method as most of the work seems to be done with the left hand this could be better for me. Perhaps if I had been taught this way things would be different! I'm looking forward to seeing your vintage makes!

Awesome sweater! I totally used to knit with a needle propped on my leg too until my mum made me do it the 'right' way. I pretty much have your attitude to patterns though - if it requires too much thought it's no use! ;)

Thank you! I'm pretty sure my Mum tried to correct me too but this is the way I find easiest and I've been knitting this way for 30 years now! My Mum told me her great aunts used to knit with their needles tucked under their bosoms!!